Generically, the female of zanni:  zagne.  The role was first called sobretta (soubrette in French, later known as fantesca (maid) or servetta (female servant).  Although Columbina became the dominant name, especially as Columbine in France and England, she was originally also called Franceschina, Smeraldina, Oliva, Nespola, Spinetta, Ricciolina, Corallina, Diamantina, Lisetta, etc..  She was very down to earth and could always see the situation for what it actually was. She was very infrequently without something to say to or about someone. Columbine aided her mistress, the innamorata, to gain the affections of her one true love.

FUN FACT: There is an entire fach in opera dedicated to the soubrette character (aka the sassy maid). Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro, Valencienne in The Merry Widow, and Despine in Così fan tutte are all soubrette roles

 The name Pantaloon generally means "old fool" or "dotard". The role of Pantalone is usually spoken entirely in the Venetian dialect. The character of Pantalone is entirely based on currency and ego, for he has the highest regard for his intelligence, "but at every step he becomes the butt for every conceivable kind of trick". With little else to occupy his thoughts after a life as a tradesman or merchant, Pantalone is the metaphorical representation of money in the commedia world. While the social standing of merchants may have changed through many centuries, the intent for Pantalone was to ensure that he had the status that allowed him to meddle in the affairs of others. Pantalone is usually the father to one of the innamorati (the lovers), another stock character found in commedia. He is driven to keep his child and their respective lover apart. Pantalone is presented either as a widower or bachelor, and despite his age, makes numerous passes at the women within the commedia world, "though he is always rejected". Pantalone never forgets a deal and his merit is based on actions, not words. He is also described as being petty, and he never forgets or forgives even the smallest things.

Known today as ingenues, the main function of the Lovers within the play is to be in love; and in doing so, they come upon obstacles that keep them from pursuing their relationship. The Lovers tend to be overly dramatic in whatever emotion they express. Separation from their lover leads them to strongly lament and moan their state, although, once they finally meet, they are at a loss of words. In order to express what they truly want to say, they always need the help of a servant to act as a go-between, Dorine in the case of Tartuffe.
 This is necessary, because due to their conceited stupidity, and lack of experience with the all of the mysteries of love, and the sensations and emotions that come with it, they cannot figure it out on their own. In this regard, the lovers are more impressionable than the other characters

·      Orgon arrives home and seems to be more worried about Tartuffe’s wellbeing than his wife

·      Orgon becomes determined that Tartuffe and Mariane will wed

·      Dorine tries to mention that Tartuffe doesn’t deserve Mariane

·      Dorine confronts Mariane about marrying Tartuffe and convinces her that it would be horrible to be married to him

·      Valere appears upon hearing about the marriage and advises Mariane to go ahead with the marriage

·      Dorine then insists that she will help Mariane any way that she can and sets up an arrangement between Elmire and Tartuffe

·      Tartuffe enters and soon enough Elmire does as well

·      Tartuffe opens his heart to Elmire and offers her his love

·       Elmire tells Tartuffe to call off the wedding or she’ll expose his proposal to Orgon

·      Damis tries to tell Orgon about Tartuffe seducing Elmire but ends up being condescended for saying such a thing

·      Mariane pleads to Orgon that she does not want to marry Tartuffe

·      Elmire can’t stand what she is witnessing and attempts to convince her husband that Tartuffe is not who he appears to be by planning a plot to expose him while Orgon is hiding in the room

·      Orgon is disgusted by what he is witnessing and forces Tartuffe out

·      Tartuffe had convinced Orgon to keep the strongbox and has taken secret papers from it and fled

·      Madame Pernel enters and still cannot believe that Tartuffe is no good

·      Loyal arrives with an eviction notice

·      Valere warns Orgon that officers are on the way to arrest him

·      The men appear and it turns out Tartuffe is under arrest and Orgon

·      The deed is reinstated to Orgon

·      Valere and Mariane eventually wed

Acting:
Tartuffe’s basic stances were either a closed or open third position, in terms of the

foot positions used for jazz dancing.

Since men wore tights or hose underneath their breeches, the positioning of the feet was a conscious effort to display the musculature of the calf. Standing erect, modeling for the painter.

The men, wore long coats similar in style to frock coats. Having an upright posture allowed the fabric to drape properly from the body.

Men walked with virility and used elaborate finger gestures. Gestures were broad and punctuated by use of fluid movements of the wrist and hand”

Complex inflections and vocal variety are absolutely necessary in performing the language of Molière”

There is a physical component involved in playing status. Typically the high status player moves more smoothly, with greater confidence and with a minimum of extraneous gestures.

- Verisimilitude: All drama must be “True to life.” NO supernatural events since they were not in everyday live

- No soliloquy

- The Unities: 

o   Unity of Time: Dramatic action should not exceed the 24 hour rule. 

o   Unity of Place: Restricts the setting of a play to one location

o   Unity of Action: No sub-plots allowed!!!! One central story revolving a small group of characters

- Purity of Dramatic Types: Comedies and Tragedies don’t mix. Tragedy is royal and must resolve calamitously, Comedy is common and must resolve in a happy ending.

- Purpose of Drama: To teach and please. Must teach a moral lesson and entertain at the same time
- France had no restriction in women performing on stage.

Important Playwrights:

 - John Baptiste Poquelin (Moliere)

 - Pierre Corneille

Important Theatres:
- Hôtel Bourgogne
- Theatre du Marais
- Comedie Francaise (became the national theatre of France)

- Louis XIV: Ballet du cour, established Académie de Musique, high heels

- Tartuffe: Moliere, inspired by commedia dell'arte, SCANDALOUUUUS (took five years of revisions before it could be produced again)